Mains Daily Question
Nov. 2, 2023
Q2."A Nation should have five key elements – Good health, Good economy, Harvest, Happiness and Strong defence"-Thirukkural (10M, 150W)
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Approach to the answer: Understanding and structuring the answer: The question is based on the quotations of Thirukkural idea of nation. Here we must understand the exact meaning of the quotations and describe each key element in brief with examples. The answer can be framed within two headings 1) Key elements of an ideal nation 2) Counter arguments-other key elements for an ideal nation Introduction: Type 1: The candidate can write the crux of these elements for a nation with an example. Type 2: The candidate can introduce with the context in which these elements have been mentioned. Main Body: Headings 1: In main body, we should explain these elements and write the importance with examples. Headings 2: In counter arguments-we must write other moral and ethical key elements needed for an ideal nation. Conclusion: Type 1: We must conclude the answer by supporting the ideas and key elements and thus validate our answer with any suitable example. Type 2: We can quote any other relevant thinker to give credence to answer.
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Answer: The quotation talks about prerequisite for an ideal nation such as good health, good economy, good harvest, happiness and good defense plays its vital role. These are the socio-economic and political ideas given by the great Tamil scholar Thiruvalluvar in his work, Thirukkural. These ideas from Thiruvalluvar are still relevant today.
Key elements of an ideal nation:
- Good Health of a nation: It refers to such a nation where each citizen, whether poor or rich, is physically, mentally and emotionally strong. Healthy people alone can build a prosperous affluent nation.
- For example: As per the Global Health Security Index 2021, United States of America is the healthiest country.
- Good economy of a nation: It refers to the good economic health of a nation which can be obtained through the good economic governance that reflects the strength of decision making and growth forecasting. As per Thiruvalluvar, If the revenue of the State is limited, the king should keep the expenditure within bounds”.
- For example: Our failure in economic development in India reflects our inefficient planning, administration and implementation at different levels.
- Good agriculture or harvest: Though laborious, agriculture is the best form of craft that sustains all on earth and is the worthiest of crafts. Farmers are the lynchpin of the world; they alone are independent citizens; others are dependent on them.
- For example: the PM Kisan Scheme of the Indian government has played a vital role in providing direct income support to farmers during the pandemic, and the Green Revolution in India has made India a self-reliant nation in agriculture.
- Happiness of a nation: The happiness of a nation is the chief aim of life. Happiness derives its value from pleasures. Happiness showcases sustainability and should be used as an alternative primary goal for a nation.
- For example: We can exemplify the Nordic countries as the happiest nations.
- Strong defence: The army that conquers without fear is the chief wealth of the king. The defence army must be capable of united resistance.
- For example: Machiavelli, in his work ‘Prince’ said that the chief foundations of all states are good laws and good armies or defence.
Other Key elements of a nation:
Apart from the above key elements, the nation should have moral and ethical elements which can showcase the development pursuance of a nation. The moral and ethical elements can be as follows:
- Cosmopolitanism or Universalism: It describes a wide and important view of moral and socio-political philosophy of a nation.
- For example: India can be called a ‘cosmopolitan’ nation as its constitution echoes the ideas of universalism.
- For example: India’s old concept of “Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam” describes.
- Tolerance: Tolerance of a nation promotes diversity and individuality.
- For example: India is a tolerant country where religious, ethnic, cultural and racial diversity exists in unity and harmony.
Thus, the good economy, good health, happiness and strong defence of a nation are the major necessities to be an ideal nation. It is the responsibility and accountability of government to develop the nation by using its resources such as good human capital and labour force.
